Help The Union Recover
Donation protected
In the early hours of Sunday, November 16th, 2014 a blazing fire roared in the idyllic uptown neighborhood of Athens, Ohio. Union Street, home to some of the oldest buildings in town, was ablaze and business owners & apartment residents in the affected section stood in awe wondering how this could happen, what they could do to help, and how they would get it all back.
Amid the destruction lies a place that many have called their second home. A location that's name invokes solidarity, companionship, and family. I had my first date with my husband there. A friend's daughter played her first arcade games there. Many have important stories to belay about this wonderful place, and you can hear it all (and so much more) by clicking the "Posts to Page" link on their facebook.
The Union Bar & Grill has been a standard in this community for decades. It is a haven not just for rock-and-rollers looking to see a great show, but also to the special crowd who can always be found lounging by the bar between classes, on lunch breaks, after work, and all weekend long. It's not about the cheap beer or the booze - It's all about the atmosphere. People make claims every day that their bar is the one that's just like Cheers or theirs is the one where people feel most at home. The Union is no Cheers, but I will tell you this: It is home to many and cherished by all who love it.
As the news poured in about the fire, many pledged their vow to help rebuild. Pictures spanning decades began appearing in the newsfeeds of friends who love this bar. Comments about how much the place means became statuses, were posted on the bar's facebook timeline, and became beautiful prose such as this piece by Jillian Mapes called "When the Place that Raised you Burns ." It's moving. And it's directly reminiscent of so many of the experiences we've all had in this special place.
After it happened, Eric Gunn, the owner, wrote this moving statement:
"To the Union extended family, I'm sad to report that early this morning a fire started on our block of Union street. Though firefighters made heroic efforts to contain the blaze, it quickly spread down the street to us. I currently don't know the full extent of the damage but it is very extensive. Thankfully no one was injured, but The Union as we knew it is no more. I truly appreciate all the offers of help and warm sentiments. The Union was a second home to so many of us (including myself), it makes my heart ache. As I know more I will try to keep this page updated. Hopefully the place will have a good phoenix story coming soon."
The Union is a wonderful place that welcomes those who enter with open arms, and it is time for us to unite, give back, and rebuild. Let's give the owners and employees their phoenix story. If you are ready to take up this call to action please give any amount you can afford and - most importantly - share this fundraising campaign to spread the word far and wide as we try to help offset the costs that will be accrued by the place we love.
To the owners of The Union - Please know that we all love you and will continue to support you. We're here for you just as you've been there for us not just since taking ownership of the bar, but when you sat next to us in a barstool just like every other patron.
Again, any amount you can contribute will help - And please be sure to share this far and wide.
Amid the destruction lies a place that many have called their second home. A location that's name invokes solidarity, companionship, and family. I had my first date with my husband there. A friend's daughter played her first arcade games there. Many have important stories to belay about this wonderful place, and you can hear it all (and so much more) by clicking the "Posts to Page" link on their facebook.
The Union Bar & Grill has been a standard in this community for decades. It is a haven not just for rock-and-rollers looking to see a great show, but also to the special crowd who can always be found lounging by the bar between classes, on lunch breaks, after work, and all weekend long. It's not about the cheap beer or the booze - It's all about the atmosphere. People make claims every day that their bar is the one that's just like Cheers or theirs is the one where people feel most at home. The Union is no Cheers, but I will tell you this: It is home to many and cherished by all who love it.
As the news poured in about the fire, many pledged their vow to help rebuild. Pictures spanning decades began appearing in the newsfeeds of friends who love this bar. Comments about how much the place means became statuses, were posted on the bar's facebook timeline, and became beautiful prose such as this piece by Jillian Mapes called "When the Place that Raised you Burns ." It's moving. And it's directly reminiscent of so many of the experiences we've all had in this special place.
After it happened, Eric Gunn, the owner, wrote this moving statement:
"To the Union extended family, I'm sad to report that early this morning a fire started on our block of Union street. Though firefighters made heroic efforts to contain the blaze, it quickly spread down the street to us. I currently don't know the full extent of the damage but it is very extensive. Thankfully no one was injured, but The Union as we knew it is no more. I truly appreciate all the offers of help and warm sentiments. The Union was a second home to so many of us (including myself), it makes my heart ache. As I know more I will try to keep this page updated. Hopefully the place will have a good phoenix story coming soon."
The Union is a wonderful place that welcomes those who enter with open arms, and it is time for us to unite, give back, and rebuild. Let's give the owners and employees their phoenix story. If you are ready to take up this call to action please give any amount you can afford and - most importantly - share this fundraising campaign to spread the word far and wide as we try to help offset the costs that will be accrued by the place we love.
To the owners of The Union - Please know that we all love you and will continue to support you. We're here for you just as you've been there for us not just since taking ownership of the bar, but when you sat next to us in a barstool just like every other patron.
Again, any amount you can contribute will help - And please be sure to share this far and wide.
Organizer
Tiffany Chapman
Organizer
Athens, OH
